Hi
I have just bought a 2003 Mazda MX5 Mk2.5 1.8 Sport privately with 24,000 miles and having read numerous forums which say the MX5 is susceptable to alignment issues and all recomend WIM as the experts in MX5 ride matters. Since I've had it I have driven the car about 200 miles on various roads. These are my findings which I hope someone can help with.
The car seems fine on smooth roads at all speeds but on uneven/bumpy roads it seems I have to correct the steering a lot of the time.
The Steering wheel is straight. The car does not seem to pull to the left or right on smooth roads. No wheel wobble.
The front tyres are Bridgestone 205/45 R16 83W which will need replacing soon and are showing more wear on the outside edges.
The rears have been replaced by the previous owner and are fairly new Infinity 205/45 R16 87W. How good these tyres are I don't know.
Does it matter that the front and rear tyres are different load ratings? How good are Infinity's? Should I have these put on the front or go for the Bridgestones again, or something different.
In view of the uneven front tyre wear and my perception of wander on bumpy roads I assume the car needs an alignment check?
What would you suggest? How much would an alignment check cost?
I have also checked the ride height which seems to concern a number of people:
Front NS = 350
Front OS = 352
Rear NS = 370
Rear OS = 365
I do not wish to track the car just want to get the ride capabilities correct for ordinary (sometimes brisk) road driving when I buy new front tyres.
Bit of a newbie with this car so any comments/advice would be helpful and thanks in advance.